Fairfield TPZ To Hold Hearing On Middle Housing Proposal, Review Fairfield University Projects

FAIRFIELD, CT — A proposal that could expand opportunities for middle housing in part of Fairfield is scheduled to go before the Town Plan and Zoning Commission during a public hearing Tuesday, alongside several zoning amendments and university development applications.

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Fairfield Regional Fire School, 205 Richard White Way, in a hybrid format. Residents may attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom. Click here to view commission agendas.

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The commission's public hearing includes a proposed zoning regulation amendment submitted by Russo & Rizzo LLC on behalf of True You Design and Development LLC that would establish a Transit Community Middle Housing provision within the Designed Residence District overlay.

According to the agenda, the proposal would allow up to nine residential units on qualifying lots of at least one acre in the area between Interstate 95 and the Metro-North Railroad, consistent with Public Act 25-1. The amendment would also allow qualifying developments to proceed without collector road access if housing unit equivalency points are provided for all units.

CT Mirror offered analysis of the state's new housing bill.

Commissioners are also scheduled to hold public hearings on three additional zoning regulation amendments. One would consolidate and simplify standards governing the Commerce Drive Area Designed District while adding review requirements under Public Act 25-1. Another would revise architectural and site design standards for Designed Business and Designed Industrial districts, including supplemental graphics. A third would update Designed Business District regulations related to first-floor building heights, setback requirements and taller buildings.

In old business, the commission is expected to continue reviewing two Fairfield University special exception applications at 1073 North Benson Road. One involves a proposed Innovation Hall for science and engineering studies, while the other seeks approval for a food truck plaza and enclosed dining area.

The commission is also scheduled to consider whether to advance several new applications to future public hearings, including:

• A special exception and coastal site plan application for additions and FEMA compliance improvements to a single-family property with two pre-existing dwelling units at 166 and 172 Pine Creek Road.
• A special exception application for a day nursery and excavation at 3541, 3553 and 3571 Post Road and 886 Kings Highway West.
• A zoning regulation amendment that would allow the town engineer to modify driveway access widths in Designed Business Districts and establish standards for day nurseries with multiple lot frontages and screening.
• A special exception application from the Pilot House Special Needs Resource Foundation Inc. seeking approval for additional special event activities associated with its nonprofit agricultural use at 1230 Merwins Lane.

The agenda also includes an executive session with the town attorney regarding pending litigation involving the commission, along with approval of bills, communications and meeting minutes from June 23.